Head of Guildford-based studio says "it is time to make something new."

Burnout and Need for Speed developer Criterion Games has said "it is time to make something new" and that it is now moving away from racing games.

In a series of Tweets, boss of the UK developer Alex Ward told gamers not to get their hopes up for a new Need for Speed, Burnout, Road Rash, or Black from the studio anytime soon.

"Here is what I want folks to know," said Ward. "Some folks are eternally disappointed. Nothing I can do about that. So many tweets asking for new Burnout."

"Equally many tweets asking for a new NFS game from us. Also Road Rash. Whilst I love all of those games, I am personally not doing any."

"As a diehard NES gamer in the late '80s UK I was misled by many gaming mags hinting at games to be released," said Ward, adding that "most games did not get a PAL release. Most of the hot stuff was JPN and USA only. Hence I hate to mislead ANYONE."

"No point saving up hard earned money for your fave game not to come. Trust me, I have been there."

Ward said the studio is now looking to make something new, but is not unveiling the new project yet. "After over a decade of making racing games it's time to make something new. It is early days thus I have nothing to 'announce' or talk about."

"I will do my best to keep folks in the loop who want to follow what we play or what inspires us. Or what we might be listening to."

"But if you are following me expecting some Megaton of a new Burnout game, or an Underground remake then I have to disappoint you."

In June last year Ward said that the Need for Speed franchise was "definitely a Criterion gig now" and that the studio would leave its "stamp" on everything related to Need for Speed and Burnout in the future.

Criterion has made two Need for Speed games, starting with Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit in 2010 and following up with Need for Speed: Most Wanted in 2012.

Despite Criterion moving away from the Need for Speed franchise, the future of the series is already assured: EA has formally established its Gothenburg-based studio Ghost to make Need for Speed games using DICE's Frostbite engine.

As for a new Burnout, Ward said the team would make it when the time was right. "I am proud of all of the Burnout games. When it feels right we will make another one. We are creative people."

The last game with the Burnout name was the top-down downloadable Burnout Crash in 2011. Five other Burnout games have been produced since 2001.

"So I hope you will join us on a new journey. Hope it makes sense. #Butit'syourkidsMarty! #PromiseMeWe'llBeBackInTime."

"No Black2 either folks. Volumes to tell on that topic, but will save that for when I get a book deal“"

"Thanks for the support everybody," concluded Ward. "We won't let you down! #tothefuture."

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